The Connected Child

"An extremely useful parenting handbook... truly outstanding ... strongly recommended."

--Library Journal (starred review)


"A tremendous resource for parents and professionals alike."

--Thomas Atwood, president and CEO, National Council for Adoption


The adoption of a child is always a joyous moment in the life of a family. Some adoptions, though, present unique challenges. Welcoming these children into your family--and addressing their special needs--requires care, consideration, and compassion.


Written by two research psychologists specializing in adoption and attachment, The Connected Child will help you:


Build bonds of affection and trust with your adopted child

Effectively deal with any learning or behavioral disorders

Discipline your child with love without making him or her feel threatened



"A must-read not only for adoptive parents, but for all families striving to correct and connect with their children."

--Carol S. Kranowitz, author of The Out-of-Sync Child


"Drs. Purvis and Cross have thrown a life preserver not only to those just entering uncharted waters, but also to those struggling to stay afloat."

--Kathleen E. Morris, editor of S. I. Focus magazine


"Truly an exceptional, innovative work . . . compassionate, accessible, and founded on a breadth of scientific knowledge and clinical expertise."

--Susan Livingston Smith, program director, Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute


"The Connected Child is the literary equivalent of an airline oxygen mask and instructions: place the mask over your own face first, then over the nose of your child. This book first assists the parent, saying, in effect, 'Calm down, you're not the first mom or dad in the world to face this hurdle, breathe deeply, then follow these simple steps.' The sense of not facing these issues alone--the relief that your child's behavior is not off the charts--is hugely comforting. Other children have behaved this way; other parents have responded thusly; welcome to the community of therapeutic and joyful adoptive families."

--Melissa Fay Greene, author of There is No Me Without You: One Woman's Odyssey to Rescue Africa's Children